Overview
- The matchup, set for Thursday in Houston, opens the Rockets’ season-ending homestand as they chase a sixth straight home win.
- Houston enters on a seven-game surge following Tuesday’s 119-105 comeback in Phoenix, where five starters hit double figures and Kevin Durant scored 24.
- The Rockets sit 50-29 with a 28-10 home mark and are pushing for a higher West seed, while the 43-36 76ers are trying to stay clear of the Play-In in a crowded East race.
- Embiid is not on Philadelphia’s injury report, with Tyrese Maxey leading the team in scoring this season; the Sixers list Johni Broome and Cameron Payne out.
- The Rockets remain without Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams for the season, and the 76ers won the first meeting on Jan. 23 in overtime, 128-122.